Social and retail hotspots

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatus for social and retail hotspots are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §120to, and is a divisional of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/808199,filed Jun. 15, 2010 and entitled “SOCIAL AND RETAIL HOTSPOTS”, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. ______ on ______, 2014, and which claimspriority to and the benefit of International Application No.PCT/US/09/30125, filed Jan. 5, 2009, which itself claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/019074, filed Jan. 4, 2008.The entirety of each of these applications begin hereby incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Vending machines, kiosks, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) devices, Wi-Fi®Hotspots, gasoline pumps, and other terminals are typically utilized toprovide an automated service at various and often distributed physicallocations. These devices, however, do not take advantage of theirexisting hardware to provide other social and/or retail functionality,nor do such devices typically comprise appropriate hardware forproviding many specific types of social and/or retail services orfunctionality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of embodiments described herein and many of theattendant advantages thereof may be readily obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of an apparatus according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are perspective diagrams of an apparatus accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of an apparatus according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Introduction

Applicants have recognized that, in some situations, it may beadvantageous to provide a “retail and/or social hotspot” to provide anyor all of a myriad of services and/or functionality to consumers. Aretail and social hotspot may, for example, provide an attractive,exciting, and functional location at which consumers (and/or the publicgenerally) may meet, socialize, conduct various types of transactions,etc. In some embodiments, retail and social hotspots may provide variousfunctionality such as (i) local shopping applications, (ii) e-commerceand/or digital retailing applications, (iii) entertainment applications,(iv) social networking applications, (v) consumer health applications,(vi) financial services applications, (vii) informational and/orconnectivity applications, (viii) telecommunications applications, (ix)food service applications, (x) building and/or workplace applications,(xi) advertising and/or media platform applications, and/or (xii)personal and/or group hobby and/or collecting applications.

Such retail and social hotspots may, in some embodiments, take advantageof existing terminals and/or other devices. A retail and social hotspotmay be embodied in, for example, a vending machine, an ATM, a wirelessrouter and/or other device comprising a Wi-Fi® Hotspot, a gasolineand/or other fuel pump or dispenser, a kiosk (such as adirections-providing terminal), a coupon terminal, a water dispenser, apostal meter, a grocery scanner and/or dispenser, a health checkupmachine, a Coinstar® machine, a check-cashing machine and/or consumerloan terminal, and/or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a social and/or retail hotspot may be embodied in avending machine comprising a processor, a primary customer interface incommunication with the processor, the primary customer interface beingdisposed on a primary side of the vending machine, a secondary customerinterface in communication with the processor, the secondary customerinterface being disposed on a secondary side of the vending machine,wherein the secondary side is different than the primary side, a sensorin communication with the processor, the sensor coupled to sense thepresence of customers situated in front of the primary side of thevending machine, and a memory in communication with the processor. Thememory may, for example, store instructions that when executed by theprocessor cause the processor to facilitate utilization of the primarycustomer interface by a first customer, wherein the utilizationcomprises a first interface session, determine, based on informationreceived from the sensor, that a second customer is in front of theprimary side of the vending machine, and switch, based on adetermination that the second customer is in front of the primary sideof the vending machine, the first interface session of the firstcustomer to the secondary customer interface.

In some embodiments, a social and/or retail hotspot may be embodied in avending machine comprising a processor, a customer interface incommunication with the processor, a sensor in communication with theprocessor, the sensor coupled to sense the presence of people situatedin one or more zones proximate to the customer interface, and a memoryin communication with the processor. The memory may, for example, storeinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor tofacilitate utilization of the customer interface by a customer, whereinthe utilization comprises a first interface session, determine, based oninformation received from the sensor, that a person other than thecustomer has entered the one or more zones proximate to the customerinterface, and alter, based on a determination that the person otherthan the customer has entered the one or more zones proximate to thecustomer interface, the first interface session in a manner selected toenhance security for the first interface session.

In some embodiments, a social and/or retail hotspot may be embodied in avending machine comprising a coin acceptor, a coin recognition devicecoupled to identify a coin deposited into the coin acceptor, wherein anidentification of the deposited coin comprises an identification of (i)a type of the deposited coin and (ii) a year of minting of the depositedcoin, a processor in communication with the coin recognition device, acommunication device in communication with the processor, and a memoryin communication with the processor. The memory may, for example, storeinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor tostore, in the memory, an indication of a customer, store, in the memory,an indication of a coin desired by the customer, wherein the indicationof the desired coin comprises (i) a type of the desired coin and (ii) ayear of minting of the desired coin, determine, based on deposited coinidentification information received from the coin recognition device andbased on the stored indication of the desired coin, that the depositedcoin is equivalent to the desired coin, and/or transmit, via thecommunication device, an electronic message to the customer, wherein theelectronic message indicates that the desired coin is available at thevending machine.

B. Terms and Definitions

Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise specified,the following terms may include and/or encompass the example meaningsprovided in this section. These terms and illustrative example meaningsare provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodimentsboth in the specification and in the appended claims, and accordingly,are not intended to be limiting.

Some embodiments described herein are associated with a “social andretail hotspot”. As used herein, the term “social and retail hotspot”may generally refer to any device, location, portal, terminal, and/orinterface that provides one or more social and/or retail applications.In some embodiments, a social and retail hotspot may comprise anexisting vending machine, kiosk, terminal, ATM, and/or other device thatis modified and/or adapted to and/or is otherwise capable of providingthe one or more social and/or retail applications.

Some embodiments described herein are associated with a “controlsystem”. As used herein, the term “control system” may generally referto any combination of hardware, software, firmware, and/or microcodethat is operative to carry out and/or facilitate embodiments describedherein. For example, a control system may comprise a processorperforming instructions of a program to facilitate coin collecting ofregistered customers. The control system may comprise, according to someembodiments, a single device and/or component or may comprise anypracticable number of networked devices.

Some embodiments described herein are associated with a “networkdevice”. As used herein, the term “network device” may generally referto any device that can communicate via a network. Examples of networkdevices include a PC, a workstation, a server, a printer, a scanner, afacsimile machine, a copier, a PDA, a storage device (e.g., a diskdrive), a hub, a router, a switch, and a modem or a wireless phone. Insome embodiments, network devices may comprise one or more networkcomponents, such as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) device ormodule, a network processor, and/or a network communication path,connection, port, or cable. Some examples of network devices mayinclude, but are not limited to, servers or controllers, customerdevises, vending machines, input devices, output devices, and peripheraldevices.

As used herein, the terms “server” and “controller” may be usedinterchangeably and may generally refer to any device that maycommunicate with one or social/retail hotspots, one or more third-partyservers, one or more remote controllers, one or more customer devices,one or more peripheral devices and/or other network nodes, and may becapable of relaying communications to and/or from each such device. Acontroller or sever may, for example, comprise one or more networkdevices and/or components.

As used herein, the terms “customer device” and “user device” may beused interchangeably and may generally refer to any device owned and/oroperated by, or otherwise associated with a customer, which device iscapable of accessing and/or outputting online and/or offline content.Customer devices may communicate with one or more servers orcontrollers, one or more social/retail hotspots, one or more third-partyservice provider servers, one or more user terminals, and/or othernetwork devices or nodes. In some embodiments, customer devices may, forexample, include gaming devices, PC devices, PDA devices, Point-Of-Sale(POS) terminals, point of display terminals, kiosks, telephones,cellular phones, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) devices, pagers, and/orcombinations of such devices. In some embodiments, customer devices maycommunicate with vending machines and remote devices and/or computerswirelessly, through any practicable wireless communication networks,formats and/or protocols, including but not limited to those describedherein.

Some embodiments described herein are associated with an “input device”.As used herein, the term “input device” may generally refer to anydevice that is used to receive or process input. An input device maycommunicate with and/or be part of another device (e.g., a wagering gamedevice). Some examples of input devices include, but are not limited to:a button, a key, one or more softkeys and/or variable function inputdevices, a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computerkeyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse, touchpad, and/ortrackball), a point-of-sale terminal keypad, a touch-screen, amicrophone, an infrared sensor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a videocamera, a motion detector, an accelerometer, a thermometer, a digitalcamera, a network card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) receiver, a Radio Frequency IDentification(RFID) receiver, a RF receiver, a pressure sensor, and a weight scale ormass balance.

Some embodiments described herein are associated with an “outputdevice”. As used herein, the term “output device” may generally refer toa device that is used to output information. An output device maycommunicate with and/or be part of another device. Some examples ofoutput devices may include, but are not limited to: a Cathode Ray Tube(CRT) monitor, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, a Light EmittingDiode (LED) screen, a printer, an audio speaker (or other sound ornoise-producing device), an Infra-red Radiation (IR) transmitter, a RFtransmitter, a vibration device, an olfactory emitter, and/or a dataport.

It should be understood that some devices may function and/or operate asboth input and output devices. A touch-sensitive display device (or“touch screen”), for example, may both receive input by receivingpressure and/or electrostatic indications via a display screen and mayalso provide output such as graphics, text, and/or other data via thesame display screen.

Some embodiments herein are associated with “communication”. As usedherein, the term “communication” may refer to any information, data,and/or signal that is provided, transmitted, received, and/or otherwiseprocessed by an entity, and/or that is shared or exchanged between twoor more people, devices, and/or other entities. Communications may beexternal to one or more devices, internal (e.g., within a device and/orcomponent), wired, wireless, continuous, and/or intermittent.Communications may involve, for example, one or more of transmitting,receiving, relaying, processing, and/or otherwise interfacing withinformation and/or data. Some, but not all, possible communicationnetworks that may be utilized for such communications include: a LocalArea Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a cable line, aradio channel, an optical communications line, and/or a satellitecommunications link. A variety of communications protocols may beutilized to facilitate and/or conduct such communications, including butnot limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), Internetwork Packet ExchangeIPX), Service Advertising Protocol (SAP), Asynchronous Transfer Protocol(ATP), Bluetooth®, and/or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/InternetProtocol (IP). Communications may be encrypted to ensure privacy andprevent fraud in any of a variety of ways that are or become known orpracticable.

Devices in communication with each other need not be continuallytransmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devices need onlytransmit to each other as necessary, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a device in communicationwith another device via the Internet may not transmit data to the otherdevice for weeks at a time.

As used herein, the terms “information” and “data” may be usedinterchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video, image,message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other type orconfiguration of signal and/or information. Information may be orinclude information packets transmitted, for example, in accordance withthe IP Version 6 (IPv6) standard as defined by “Internet ProtocolVersion 6 (IPv6) Specification” RFC 1883, published by the InternetEngineering Task Force (IETF), Network Working Group, S. Deering et al.(December 1995). Information may, according to some embodiments, becompressed, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated inaccordance with any method that is or becomes known or practicable.

In addition, some embodiments described herein are associated with an“indication”. As used herein, the term “indication” may be used to referto any indicia and/or other information indicative of or associated witha subject, item, entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As usedherein, the phrases “information indicative of” and “indicia” may beused to refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or isotherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or object. Indiciaof information may include, for example, a code, a reference, a link, asignal, an identifier, and/or any combination thereof and/or any otherinformative representation associated with the information. In someembodiments, indicia of information (or indicative of the information)may be or include the information itself and/or any portion or componentof the information. In some embodiments, an indication may include arequest, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any other form ofinformation gathering and/or dissemination.

As used herein, the term “coupled” may generally refer to any type orconfiguration of coupling that is or becomes known or practicable.Coupling may be descriptive, for example, of two or more objects,devices, and/or components that are communicatively coupled,mechanically coupled, electrically coupled, and/or magnetically coupled.The term “communicatively coupled” generally refers to any type orconfiguration of coupling that places two or more objects, devices,components, or portions, elements, or combinations thereof incommunication. Mechanical, electrical, and magnetic communications areexamples of such communications. The term “mechanically coupled”generally refers to any physical binding, adherence, attachment, and/orother form of physical contact between two or more objects, devices,components, or portions, elements, or combinations thereof. The term“electrically coupled” indicates that one or more objects, devices,components, or portions, elements, or combinations thereof, are inelectrical contact such that an electrical signal, pulse, or current iscapable of passing between the one or more objects, enabling the objectsto electrically communicate with one another. The term “magneticallycoupled” indicates that one or more objects, devices, components, orportions, elements, or combinations thereof, are within one or moreassociated magnetic fields. Objects may be electrically and/ormagnetically coupled without themselves being physically attached ormechanically coupled. For example, objects may communicate electricallythrough various wireless forms of communication or may be within (atleast partially) a magnetic field, without being physically touching oreven adjacent.

C. System

Referring first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 according tosome embodiments is shown. The various systems described herein aredepicted for use in explanation, but not limitation, of describedembodiments. Different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations ofsystems described herein may be utilized without deviating from thescope of some embodiments.

While two (2) social/retail hotspots 110 a, 110 n are depicted in thesystem 100, for example, fewer or more retail/social hotspots 110 may beincluded without deviating from the scope of some embodiments.Similarly, while the social/retail hotspots 110 a-n are depicted isbeing in communication with and/or coupled to a controller 150, aretailer device 160, a service provider device 170, and a customerdevice (such as a home computer and/or portable computing device) 180,fewer or more such devices 150, 160, 170, 180 may be in communicationwith and/or coupled to any or all of the social/retail hotspots 110 a-n.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspots 110 a-n may bein communication with and/or coupled to various devices (e.g., devices150, 160, 170, 180) via the Internet and/or network 190. Thesocial/retail hotspots 110 a-n may, for example, function as portalsand/or access points via which consumers may interface with variousservice and/or retail providers to facilitate applications offered bythe social/retail hotspots 110 a-n.

Customers may utilize the social/retail hotspots 110 a-n, for example,to access e-mail (e.g., via the service provider device 170 which mayinclude an Internet Service Provider (ISP) device), conduct onlinebanking transactions and/or inquiries (e.g., via the service providerdevice 170 which may include an online banking device), conduct videoand/or audio conferencing with friends, family, colleagues, and/orbusiness contacts (e.g., via the service provider device 170 which mayinclude an Internet Service Provider (ISP) device, between two or moresocial/retail hotspots 110 a-n, and/or between a social/retail hotspot110 a-n and a customer device 180), to purchase snacks and/or drinks,and/or to manage and/or enhance hobby and/or collecting activities.

D. Apparatus

Turning to FIG. 2, a perspective diagram of an apparatus 210 accordingto some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the apparatus 210 maybe similar in configuration and/or functionality to any of thesocial/retail hotspots 110 a-n of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, forexample, the apparatus 210 may comprise a vending machine cabinet 212that houses several components similar to a conventional vendingmachine. The apparatus 210 may comprise, for example (and/or the cabinet212 may house and/or be coupled to), a product storage and dispensingdevice/area 216 (such as a product storage/display area 216 a and/or aproduct dispensing mechanism 216 b), and/or payment acceptance and/orissuance devices 218 (such as a bill and/or coin validator and/ordispenser). In some embodiments the payment acceptance and/or issuancedevices 218 may comprise one or more printers and/or magnetic inkprinters. In some embodiments, the acceptance and/or issuance devices218 may comprise and/or be coupled to a coin (and/or currency)identification device (not explicitly shown in FIG. 2) capable ofidentifying one or more of: (i) a type of coin/currency received by theapparatus 210 (e.g., a nickel, dime, quarter, Susan B. Anthony dollarcoin, Presidential series dollar coin, dollar bill, and/or five dollarbill); (ii) a year of minting/printing of the coin/currency (e.g., coinminted/struck in 2005 or 1954 and/or dollar bill from 1982 seriesprinting); (iii) a mint identification mark of the coin/currency (e.g.,a “D” signifying that a coin was minted/struck at the Denver, Colo.mint); (iv) a quality of the coin/currency (e.g., clarity, magnitude ofscratches, coloration/discoloration, measure of corrosion, tears orrips, permanent markings/defacement, and/or bends, folds, and/orcrispness of paper currency); and/or (v) any other markings, text,figures, inscriptions, objects, and/or items of possible interest (e.g.,whether an image on a coin/bill is engraved/printed in the properorientation and/or whether specific text appears as it is supposedto—e.g., to identify potentially valuable outliers, misprints, and/ormis-minted coins/currency).

The apparatus 210 may also or alternatively comprise one or more inputdevices 220 (such as (a motion detector 220 a and/or a camera 220 b)and/or one or more output devices 222 (such as a primary display device222 a and/or a secondary display device 222 b). According to someembodiments, the motion detector 220 a may be utilized to determine thefunctionality of the primary display device 222 a and/or the secondarydisplay device 222 b. A consumer may be allowed to utilize the primarydisplay device 222 a for non-retail and/or non-purchase-orientedtransactions (e.g., checking e-mail), for example, until the motiondetector 220 a detects the presence of another consumer waiting in lineto access the apparatus 210. In the case that a line is detected, thefirst consumer's interface session with the apparatus 210 may beswitched to the secondary display device 222 b to allow the waitingconsumer to access the apparatus 210. In some embodiments, in the casethat another consumer is detected in proximity to either display device222 a, 222 b, privacy and/or security functions may be initiated toprotect any operations that the first user is currently conducting.These privacy and/or security functions may increase in magnitude and/oreffect depending upon the type of transaction being conducted by thefirst consumer and/or depending upon the detected range of anotherconsumer and/or depending upon a number of detected other consumers. Themore other consumers that are detected, for example, the higher thesecurity and/or privacy intervention by the apparatus 210. Similarly,the closer another consumer is and/or becomes to the display device 222a, 222 b that the first consumer is utilizing, the more stringent thesecurity becomes.

The camera 220 b may generally be utilized to facilitate applicationssuch as consumer identification verification and/or such as two-wayvideo conferencing. The camera 220 b may also or alternatively beutilized to facilitate identification of customers, the detection ofcustomers, and/or the detection and/or counting of customers proximateto the apparatus 210 and/or the various display devices 222 a, 222 bthereof. In some embodiments, the camera 220 b may be utilized toprovide image data to a program to analyze the potential security riskof actions and/or positions taken by various consumers in proximity tothe apparatus 210. While security measures may not typically bewarranted for a second customer standing behind a first customer inline, for example, if the camera 220 b is utilized to detect that thesecond customer is taking a picture and/or video of the first customer'sinterface session with the apparatus 210, then security measures may beimplemented.

In some embodiments, the primary display device 222 a may be dedicatedto certain functionality (such as vending locally stored products and/orother retail applications) while the secondary display device 222 b maybe dedicated to all other available applications (such as checkinge-mail, video conferencing, etc.). In some embodiments, the primarydisplay device 222 a may be utilized to interface with the applicationsoffered by the apparatus 210 (e.g., a social/retail hotspot). Theprimary display device 222 a may, for example, provide a menu ofservices available and/or may also or alternatively allow a consumer totake advantage of any functionality inherent in any host device uponwhich the apparatus 210 is integrated (e.g., a vending machine such asmay be the case in FIG. 2). According to some embodiments, the primarydisplay device 222 a may be disposed and/or situated on or coupled to aprimary or first side or surface of the apparatus 210. As shown in FIG.2, for example, the primary display device 222 a is situated on/coupledto what would normally be considered the front of the apparatus/vendingmachine 210.

In some embodiments, the secondary display device 222 b may also oralternatively be utilized to interface with social/retail hotspotapplications. The secondary display device 222 b may be much larger thanthe primary display device 222 a, according to some embodiments, and mayaccordingly lend itself to being more useful for certain applications(such as video conferencing, as depicted in FIG. 2). According to someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the secondary display device 222 bmay be disposed and/or situated on or coupled to a secondary or secondside or surface of the apparatus 210 (such as what would normally beconsidered a side of the apparatus/vending machine 210, as shown in FIG.2). In some embodiments, a smaller display device 222 a, 222 b may beincorporated into the side of the apparatus 210, as opposed to on thefront.

In some embodiments, either or both of the display devices 220 a, 220 bmay be mounted on an arm (not shown) coupled to the apparatus 210 suchthat the arm may be swung between different orientations to repositioneither or both of the display devices 222 a, 222 b. The arm, forexample, may be mounted such that one or more of the display devices 222a, 222 b may be repositioned from the front of the apparatus 210 to theside of the apparatus 210. In some embodiments, the arm may couple tothe secondary display device 222 b and may have a defaultorientation/position on the front of the apparatus such that thesecondary display device 222 b blocks and/or substantially covers theprimary display device 222 a. In the event that more than one consumeror customer desires to utilize the apparatus 210 (and/or is detected,such as by the motion sensor 220 a and/or the camera 220 b), the arm andcoupled secondary display device 222 b may be repositioned (such asadjacent to the primary display device 222 a and/or to the side of theapparatus 210) to unblock/uncover the primary display device 222 a suchthat both display devices 222 a, 222 b may be utilized at the same time(e.g., for separate customer interface sessions). In such anarrangement, it should be clear that the display device 222 a, 222 bcoupled to the arm and/or other movable device (such as a slide ortrack, etc.) may be considered the primary display device 222 a whensituated in the primary, first, and/or default position, and may then beconsidered the secondary display device 222 b when repositioned to thesecondary, second, and/or alternate position.

Generally, a retail and social hotspot (such as the apparatus 210) maycomprise a wide variety of hardware components that are operable tofacilitate a plurality of social and/or retail applications. In someembodiments, different retail and social hotspots may comprise differenthardware components, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable.While only two types of input devices 220 a, 220 b and only two outputdevices 222 a, 222 b are depicted in FIG. 2, for example, it should beunderstood that fewer or more of any such devices and/or different oradditional types or configurations of devices may be coupled to theapparatus 210 without deviating from the scope and intent of at leastsome embodiments.

Some of the hardware components that a retail and social hotspot maycomprise include, but are not limited to: (i) one or more biometricdevices (e.g., fingerprint, thumbprint, palm print, voice and/or voicepattern recognition, face recognition, iris and/or retina recognition,and/or finger vein scanning equipment); (ii) one or more cameras (stilland/or video)—such as the camera 220 b; (iii) one or more printingdevices (e.g., ink, laser, and/or magnetic ink or other printers)—suchas may be represented by the payment issuance device 218; (iv) one ormore display devices (e.g., a primary display device and a secondarydisplay device, a plurality of display devices of different sizes, oneor more image projectors, touch screen devices, and/or wearable displaydevices such as glasses, hats, and/or helmets or visors incorporatingone or more displays and/or virtual displays)—such as the primarydisplay device 222 a and/or the secondary display device 222 b; (v) oneor more health screening or checkup devices (e.g., a blood pressuremonitor, a cholesterol scanner, a body fat meter, and/or a weight scaleor mass balance); (vi) one or more communications devices (e.g., atelephone handset and/or dial pad, a router, a modem, and/or a videoconference or calling terminal); (vii) one or more currency acceptanceand/or dispensing devices; (viii) one or more motion and/or othersensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, moisture sensors,and/or noise sensors)—such as the motion sensor 220 a; (ix) one or moreother input devices (e.g., microphones, speakers, a stylus, and/or akeyboard and/or keypad—physical and/or virtual/projected); and/or (x) acoin identification device (e.g., capable of identifying coin/currencytypes, dates, conditions, and/or other features, such as may bebeneficial for facilitating coin/currency collecting activities ofcustomers).

E. Applications

According to some embodiments, applications available via asocial/retail hotspot may include, but are not limited to:

-   -   a) Local shopping applications (e.g., integrated local grocery        store bar coded coupons and promotions, mall and local shopping,        survey program—answer twenty (20) questions; based on answers,        get coupons—e.g., personalized);    -   b) E-commerce and digital retailing applications (e.g.,        e-commerce linked to the physical world, online ordering with        one-touch payment, consumer goods, electronics, last minute        overstocks and specials, travel deals, online shopping, low        price search engine, auctions; linked automatic rewards system        to loyalty and purchases made at other places—continuous        rewards, personalized coupon dispensing);    -   c) Entertainment applications (e.g., video downloads, new movie        clips, trailers, releases, sports, news, lottery, gaming,        competitive games of skill with leader boards, tournaments and        fantasy sports leagues, blogging);    -   d) Social Networking applications (e.g., YouTube™ clips,        user-posted clips, exchange clips, e-mail, text message, dating,        “I was here” messages);    -   e) Consumer health applications (e.g., “Revolution Health”, talk        to doctor/nurse for non-emergency questions);    -   f) Financial Services applications (e.g., integrated biometric        account access with users' other online accounts, affinity        credit card with built-in continuous reward system, online        insurance quotes, mortgages, home equity loans, checking and        savings account access, bill payment, check mortgage balance,        allow phone company to remind that phone bill is due, anonymous        bill payment, Western Union™—send money anywhere in world,        secure authenticated transactions, ATM services, banking        services, paycheck cashing, paycheck printing, personal check        printing, money order printing);    -   g) Information/communications applications (e.g., local        restaurant locator, movie theatres—buy and print tickets, local        entertainment finder, web/Internet access, e-mail access, web        search, free printed directions—or via e-mail, text message,        telecommunications access—phone, video phone, teleconferencing,        integrated mobile transactions—pay with mobile phone, Skype® and        VOIP long distance calling);    -   h) Food Service applications (e.g., snack and beverage vending,        gift cards, bulk purchases, new product introductions and        launches, taste testing and product sampling, printed coupons,        back end pick pack revenue management systems);    -   i) Building and Workplace applications (e.g., workplace        electronic bulletin board, human resource        incentives—recognition, free product, cash, workplace        services—stay late bonuses, employee rewards, reporting        problems);    -   j) Advertising and Media platform applications (e.g., 24-hour        streaming news, sports, entertainment, health news, broadcast        quality programming, interactive network—text messaging, e-mail        capture); and    -   k) Hobby and/or Collecting applications (e.g., coin/currency        collecting facilitated, recipes shared and/or posted, etc.).

F. Processes

Various embodiments will now be described with references to methods,procedures, and/or processes associated with some embodiments. Themethods, procedures, and/or processes described herein may generally beperformed by the system 100 of FIG. 1 and/or any of the many componentsand/or devices described herein (e.g., by a social/retail hotspot 110a-n, 210 of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2, respectively). Other configurations ofsystems and devices may also or alternatively be utilized to perform themethods described herein without deviating from the scope of someembodiments. The procedures described herein do not necessarily imply afixed order to the actions, and embodiments may be performed in anyorder that is practicable. Note that any of the methods described hereinmay be performed by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware,or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium may storethereon instructions that when executed by a machine result inperformance according to any of the embodiments described herein.

Some embodiments include identifying a consumer, user, and/or otherperson interfacing with and/or desiring to interface with asocial/retail hotspot. Identification of a user may be accomplished inmany ways. In some embodiments, identification may be conducted via oneor more biometric devices such as described herein. In such embodiments,identifying a user may comprise collecting and/or otherwise determiningbiometric information of the user (e.g., from a biometric sensor orscanner) and/or verifying such biometric information (e.g., by comparingthe information to information stored in a local and/or remotedatabase), based on user account with kiosk or user's account on secondsystem such as by matching a user's social/retail hotspot account withthe user's account on a second system (e.g., bank account, payroll,email address, cell phone number, state identification system such asdriver's license number and birth date, credit card). According to someembodiments, upon identification and/or verification of an identity ofthe user, one or more benefits may be provided to the user. This maycomprise, for example, authorizing such a benefit to be provided.

As used herein, the term “benefit” may generally include any type ofbenefit that is or becomes known or practicable. In some embodiments, abenefit may be considered a “host benefit”, which includes a product orservice provided by a device that ‘hosts’ the social/retail hotspotfunctionality. In the case that a social/retail hotspot comprises and/oris embodied in an ATM, for example, a host benefit would comprisedispensing of currency and other financial account transactions. A“portal benefit”, on the other hand, comprises a product or service thatis not typically available from the ‘host’ device. In the case that the‘host’ is an ATM, for example, checking of e-mail by a user would be aportal benefit (e.g., something that the ATM would not typically becapable of allowing in the absence of the social/retail hotspotfunctionality).

In embodiments where the social/retail hotspot is not embodied in and/orcoupled to another device (e.g., the social/retail hotspot comprises aself-sufficient and/or separate stand-alone device), all benefitsprovided may be considered “portal benefits”.

Several advantages of having a biometric devices provided by thesocial/retail hotspot include: (i) the user does not need to purchasehis/her own biometric device for home computer/cell phone; (ii) betterquality biometric devices can be implemented than if a consumer were topurchase one for home Use—which equates to better security; (iii)revenue can be generated in other ways, which helps to pay for theinstallation costs of biometrics and other sensors that otherwise aretoo expensive to deploy in a dedicated; and (iv) terminals are oftenlocated in public area, but are well-enough attended to preventvandalism.

In some embodiments, a big screen (such as the secondary display device222 b of FIG. 2) may be used to display 3D images of products that arestocked inside and available for sale from the kiosk/vending machine.This allows, for example, for a deeper vending machine that can stockmore products and/or may also allow for linked vending machines where asecond machine is placed behind the first. The big screen may beMulti-Layer Display from PureDepth™ (PureDepth™ is headquartered inRedwood Shores, Calif.). In some embodiments, the big screen on frontmay be used for improved advertising of products inside (a commercial ofa hot day and icy cold cola drink).

Auxiliary services may also or alternatively be provided to a customerusing front and side screens. Examples of auxiliary services (e.g.,“portal benefits”) may include, but are not limited to: internet access(e.g., find directions, reading email, look for movie tickets, dinnerreservations); premium media access (e.g., listening to music, watchingvideo clips or movies); communications services (e.g., video phone,video conferencing); financial services (e.g., banking, wiring money,investing information, check cashing); health services (e.g., bloodpressure, BMI, percent hydration); human resources services (e.g., formsand employee information are updateable and accessible, paychecks,employment openings); social networking (e.g., Facebook™, Myspace™,company intranet); and/or collectors services (e.g., coin collectornotifications of portal inventory).

In some embodiments, customers may start out by using a front screen(e.g., the primary display device 222 a of FIG. 2) on the social/retailhotspot in the case that the front screen is large or better quality(e.g., brighter, better colors, 3D display, etc.), because auxiliaryservices are advertised to customers on the front screen, and/or becauseof better peripherals associated with screen (e.g., 3D viewing glasses,surround sound speakers). If, however, a customer is monopolizing thefront screen of the social/retail hotspot, then this may prevent othercustomers from using the social/retail hotspot (e.g., the social/retailhotspot comprises a vending machine and other customers need to use thevending machine to purchase snacks or beverages, and/or thesocial/retail hotspot comprises a coupon terminal and other customersneed to get coupons, or the social/retail hotspot comprises an ATM andother customers need to get money).

In some embodiments, it may be determined and/or detected that othercustomers need to use the social/retail hotspot. Sensors of thesocial/retail hotspot may detect presence of others waiting to use thesocial/retail hotspot behind the current user of the big screen (e.g.,via video cameras, IR sensors, motion detectors, etc.). With referenceto FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, for example, an exemplary vending machine 310 isshown. In some embodiments, the vending machine 310 may similar inconfiguration and/or functionality to the social/retail hotspot 110 a-nof FIG. 1 and/or the apparatus 210 of FIG. 2. The vending machine 310may comprise, for example, a cabinet or casing 312 that houses and/orotherwise couples to product storage and/or dispensing devices 316(e.g., a product storage area 316 a and/or a product dispensing area 316b), payment processing devices 318, input devices 320 (e.g., a motiondetector 320 a, a first camera 320 b-1, and/or a second camera 320 b-2),and/or output devices 322 (e.g., a primary display device 322 a and/or asecondary display device 322 b). Any or all of the components 312, 316a-b, 318, 320 a-b, 322 a-b of the vending machine 310 may be similar inconfiguration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/ornumbered devices described herein.

In some embodiments, a first customer may be detected by the vendingmachine 310 (and/or by the motion detector 320 a and/or the first camera320 b-1). The motion detector 320 a may detect, for example, the firstcustomer standing in a first position 340 of FIG. 3A. In someembodiments, the presence of the first customer at the first positionmay be assumed in the case that the first customer isconducting/participating in an interface session via the primary displaydevice 322 a. It should also be understood that while the motiondetector 320 a is depicted in a certain position on the vending machine310, other positions and/or configurations may also or alternatively besuitable. In one embodiment, for example, the motion detector 320 a maycomprise a pressure-sensitive mat and/or sensor situated to detect thefirst customer in the first position 340. As shown in FIG. 3A, the firstcustomer may initiate and/or conduct the first interface session via theprimary display device 322 a, such as by, for example, checking thefirst customer's e-mail.

In some embodiments, such as in the case that products dispensed via thevending machine 310 may only be ordered and/or selected via the primarydisplay device 322 a, it may be desirable to prevent a line from formingbehind the first customer, particularly if the first customer hasalready purchased a product from the vending machine 310 and/or if thefirst customer is conducting non-purchase transactions via the firstinterface session. It may also or alternatively be otherwise desirableto switch the first customer's first interface session to the secondarydisplay device 322 b. Thus, according to some embodiments, it may bedetermined whether to transfer the first customer to the secondarydisplay/screen 322 b.

In the case that a second customer is detected, in waiting position 342of FIG. 3B, for example, it may be determined whether the first customercan easily and/or appropriately be transferred to the secondary displaydevice 322 b (e.g., an algorithm determines activity of current primaryscreen 322 b user; if user's activity is interruptible (for just amoment), then user is transferred to the secondary screen 322 b; ifuser's activity is not interruptible, then detected waiting user isprompted to use the secondary screen 322 b; if the user's activity is ofa typically private nature, etc.). In the case that is determined thatthe first customer should be moved to the secondary display device 322b, the first customer may be prompted such as by: displaying a messageon the primary screen 322 a; activating an audio message; displaying apictorial sign showing the waiting user the presence of the secondaryscreen 322 b; and/or flashing the secondary screen 322 b. In such amanner, for example, the first customer may continue the first interfacesession via the secondary display 322 b, such as by repositioning fromthe first position 340 a in FIG. 3B, to the second position 340 b, andcontinuing to read the first customer's email (as shown). This allowsthe second customer to move from the waiting position 342 to the firstposition 340 a (so that the second customer may now interface with thevending machine via the primary display 322 a). While the switching ofthe first customer from one screen to another has been described withrespect to switching from a smaller primary display 322 a to a largersecondary display 322 b, it should be understood that the oppositeswitching procedure is also fully contemplated. In some embodiments, forexample, the primary display 322 a may comprise the “bigger” or largescreen, for example, and/or may be situated on the side of the vendingmachine 310. Further, in embodiments where at least one of the displays322 a, 322 b is moveable (e.g., coupled to a repositioning arm ordevice), the switching may comprise instructing the first customer toreposition the primary display 322 a, and/or automatically (e.g., via amotor) repositioning the primary display 322 a (e.g., to become thesecondary display 322 b). Also, as described elsewhere herein, while thedisplays 322 a, 322 b are generally described as output devices 322, itshould be understood that the displays 322 a, 322 b may also function asinput devices 320 in the case that the displays 322 a, 322 b comprisetouch screen displays.

The social/retail hotspot may also or alternatively detect use of thesystem by multiple users and their expected use times. If one user ispurchasing an item, the expected use time is short, but if another useris using an internet interface, then expected use time is long. Thesocial/retail hotspot may then, for example, display which screen islikely to become available first, notifying the waiting user of theirexpected wait-time; move free or less revenue generating activities tosmaller side screens when a new user is detected approaching the kiosk;and/or detect the identity of its users.

In some embodiments, there may be limitations on how long a user isallowed to operate the social/retail hotspot (such as the vendingmachine 310 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). Such as: limitations on how long touse big screen; limitations on how long to use either big or smallscreens; limitations that are time-based (e.g., ten (10) minutes,between 4 PM and 8 AM) and/or usage based (e.g., one (1) Gb of datatransfer); each user may only be allowed to use the auxiliary services alimited number of times per day; limitations may be determined based onidentity of user (e.g., customer history); gold-level customers get touse Internet access on the social/retail hotspot for ten (10) minutes,but platinum-level customer gets to used Internet access for twenty (20)minutes; and/or the social/retail hotspot can shorten the length of freeor less revenue generating activities when all screens are in use andthere are waiting users.

In some embodiments, any screen of the social/retail hotspot may haveprivacy features. Examples of privacy features include, but are notlimited to: a screen guard to limit viewing angle; customer may berequired to wear special glasses (e.g., other people who are not wearingthe glasses may not be able to easily view the screen); and/or sensors(e.g., camera, motion sensor) are used to determine if somebody else ispresent (e.g., walking by) behind the current user. With reference toFIG. 4, for example, an exemplary hotspot 410 is shown. In someembodiments, the hotspot 410 may similar in configuration and/orfunctionality to the social/retail hotspot 110 a-n of FIG. 1, theapparatus 210 of FIG. 2, and/or the vending machine 310 of FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B. The hotspot 410 may comprise, for example, a camera 420 and/oran interface screen 422, either or both of which may be similar inconfiguration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/ornumbered devices described herein.

In some embodiments, a customer may be standing and/or otherwisepositioned at the location 440 shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., such that thecustomer may utilize the interface screen to interface with the hotspot410). The hotspot 410 may be configured to identify whether anotherperson is present in one or more zones 444 proximate to the location 440of the customer. The camera 420 may provide visual data to a programthat analyzes whether (i) another person is present proximate to thelocation 440 of the customer and/or (ii) which of the one or more zones444 the detected person is in. Other sensors such as motion sensorsand/or pressure sensors may also or alternatively be utilized for suchpurposes.

In some embodiments, if another person is detected (e.g., by the camera420 and/or by another device in communication with the hotspot 410), awarning message 446 may be output to the user, and/or the screen 422 maybe disabled (or partially disabled) to prevent the other person fromviewing it (privacy features like these may be helpful if customers usethe social/retail hotspot 410 for web browsing, reading email, obtainingmedical or financial information, etc.). According to some embodiments,the hotspot 410 may implement a hierarchy of privacy features based on,for example, which of the one or more zones 444 the other person isdetected in. For exemplary purposes only, for example, FIG. 4 depicts afirst zone 444 a, a second zone 444 b, a third zone 444 c, and a fourthzone 444 d—each of which the hotspot 410 may be programmed to be capableof determining whether the other person is situated within.

The warning message 446 may be displayed on the interface screen 422 inthe case that the other person is detected in the fourth zone 444 d, forexample. In some embodiments, this may be considered a first level ofsecurity and/or privacy protection. In the case that the other person isdetected in the third zone 444 c (or in the case that the other personis detected as having moved from the fourth zone 444 d to the third zone444 c), the hotspot 410 may implement a second level of security and/orprivacy (such as, for example, reducing the text size of the fontutilized to display information to the customer via the interface screen422). In the case that the other person is detected in the second zone444 b (or in the case that the other person is detected as having movedfrom the third zone 444 c to the second zone 444 b), the hotspot 410 mayimplement a third level of security and/or privacy (such as, forexample, strategically moving and/or organizing information displayedvia the interface screen 422 so that the body of the customer is likelyto block the view of the other person). In the case that the otherperson is detected in the first zone 444 a (or in the case that theother person is detected as having moved from the second zone 444 b tothe first zone 444 a), the hotspot 410 may implement a fourth and/orhighest level of security and/or privacy (such as, for example,temporary disabling the interface screen 422 and/or switching thecustomer's interface session to a smaller secondary screen, e.g., onanother side of the hotspot 410).

It should be understood that the zones 444 a-d depicted in FIG. 4 areexemplary in number, size, and shape. Fewer or more zones 444 may beutilized to implement security/privacy features for the interfacescreen(s) 422 of the hotspot 410. It should be further understood that,for ease of illustration, the zones 444 of FIG. 4 are depicted asrepresenting approximate foot positioning of the other detected person.In practice, zones 444 may be also or alternatively defined verticallyin a third dimension. A motion sensor (not shown explicitly in FIG. 4),for example, may detect movement beyond the periphery of the customer,such as detecting another person looking over the shoulder of thecustomer, without specific regard for where the feet of the other personmay be positioned. In some embodiments, such as in the case that apressure-sensitive mat is utilized to detect customers and/or otherpeople, any or all zones 444 may be solely defined by where suchindividuals are standing.

G. Coin Collecting Application

According to some embodiments, a social/retail hotspot may facilitatehobbies of customers, such as coin collecting. As shown in FIG. 5, forexample a system according to some embodiments is shown. In someembodiments, the system comprises a vending machine 510, a customerdatabase 534, a coin inventory database 536, a coin 548, and a customerdevice 580 operable to receive an e-mail 582. The vending machine may,according to some embodiments, be similar in configuration and/orfunctionality to the social/retail hotspot 110 a-n of FIG. 1, theapparatus 210 of FIG. 2, the vending machine 310 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B,and/or the hotspot 410 of FIG. 4. The customer device 580 may, in someembodiments, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to thecustomer device 180 of FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, customers, particularly customers registered withand/or otherwise identifiable to the vending machine 510, may provideinformation to the vending machine 510 and/or to a device associatedwith the vending machine 510 (e.g., a website, server, and/orcontroller—such as the controller 150 of FIG. 1) regarding what coinsthe customer desires to collect. Indeed, the customer may manage coincollection by interfacing with the vending machine 510 and/or associateddevice. The customer database 534 may store, as shown in FIG. 5 forexample, an identifier for the customer, an e-mail address (and/or othercontact or identifying information) for the customer, an indication ofone or more coins (or other currency) that the customer desires or“wishes” (e.g., a coin/currency “wish list”), and/or an indicationregarding whether the desired coin/currency is in the inventory of thevending machine 510.

The coin inventory database 536 may store, as shown in FIG. 5 forexample, an identifier for each coin/currency and/or type ofcoin/currency stored (or potentially stored) in the vending machine 510,an indication as to whether the particular coin/currency and/or type ofcoin/currency is currently in inventory at the vending machine 510, anindication of the quantity of the coin/currency in inventory at thevending machine 510, an indication of whether one or more units of thecoin/currency have been reserved (e.g., by a customer that desires theparticular type of coin/currency), and/or an identifier of thereservation, if applicable.

As an example, the customer identified by the number “99276” in thecustomer database 534 of FIG. 5, may desire a Susan B. Anthony dollarcoin minted in San Francisco, and may provide an indication of suchdesire/wish to the vending machine 510 and/or a device associatedtherewith (e.g., via a website associated with the vending machine 510).The customer may, in some embodiments, reserve the desired coin, suchthat the vending machine 510, once it acquires the desired coin, willonly dispense the desired coin (or at least one unit thereof) to thecustomer “99276”. In some embodiments, the customer must pay for thereservation service and/or for the coin collection management serviceoffered via the vending machine 510 (e.g., via a subscription and/orrecurring charge or upon visiting the vending machine to retrieve adesired coin/currency item).

Either upon stocking of the vending machine 510 or upon receipt of newcoin deposited into the vending machine 510 (e.g., via customertransactions at the vending machine 510), the vending machine 510 mayupdate the coin inventory database 536 to reflect the current inventoryof the vending machine 510. The vending machine 510 may then determine,as represented by the arrows labeled “A” in FIG. 5 for example, that acoin desired by the customer “99276” and by the customer “3887901” ispresent in inventory. The vending machine 510 may then determine, forexample, that the coin is reserved by customer “99276”, as representedby the arrow labeled “B” in FIG. 5. According to some embodiments, thevending machine 510 and/or a device associated therewith (e.g., acontroller or server) may notify the customer “99276” that the desiredcoin is available at the vending machine 510. As represented by thearrow labeled “C” in FIG. 5, for example, the e-mail address of thecustomer may be retrieved from the customer database 534 and utilized tosend the e-mail 582 to the customer device 580. While the customerdevice 580 is depicted as comprising a cellular telephone, it should beunderstood that the customer device may comprise any type of deviceand/or electronic device associated with the customer, including, butnot limited to: (i) a mailbox; (ii) a wireless telephone; (iii) a pager;(iv) a personal computer; (v) a laptop computer; (vi) a gaming console;and/or (vii) any type or configuration of portable, wireless, and/ormobile communications device.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the e-mail 582 may indicate that the desired coinis available at the vending machine 510. In the case that a plurality ofvending machines are networked together (e.g., and managed by acontroller), the e-mail (and/or other notification communication) mayalso indicate an identifier of a specific vending machine and/or anindication of a location of the vending machine 510. The e-mail 582 mayalso or alternatively include directions to the vending machine 510,such as on-the-fly directions based on a current location of thecustomer (and/or a current location of the customer device 580). Thee-mail 582 may also or alternatively provide information descriptive ofhow the desired coin may be obtained by the customer. In someembodiments, for example, the customer may be required to pay a price toobtain the coin, may be required to make a purchase and/or specificpurchase from the vending machine 510 (e.g., of a food and/or beverageproduct stored by the vending machine 510), and/or may be required toenter a code into the vending machine 510. In some embodiments, such asin the case that the vending machine comprises a barcode scanner (notshown), the e-mail 582 (and/or other notification communication) maycomprise an indication of a barcode representing the desired coin.

As represented by the arrow labeled “D” in FIG. 5, the customer may theninterface with the vending machine 510 to have a unit (which may be theonly unit in inventory, as in the depicted example) of the desired coin548 dispensed to the customer. The customer may provide biometric data(e.g., via a thumbprint reader (not explicitly shown)) and/or otherinformation by which the vending machine 510 may identify the customer,for example. In the case that a previous reservation of the desired coin548 (for payment or not) guarantees the coin 548 for the customer, theunit of the desired coin 548 may automatically be dispensed uponidentification of the customer. In some embodiments, the customer mustenter a coin redemption code (e.g., received via the e-mail 582),present an indication of a barcode identifying the desired coin 548(e.g., via a display screen of the customer device 580; and/or receivedvia the e-mail 582), and/or consummate a transaction for the purchase ofan item of product inventory offered via the vending machine (e.g., thecustomer may purchase “any drink” or “any Mars® candy” to qualify toreceive the desired coin 548, and upon payment and/or selection of theappropriate purchase, the coin 548 will be dispensed to the customer).

It should be understood that the databases 534, 536 depicted in FIG. 5are for exemplary purposes only. Fewer or more databases, data tables,files, matrices, and/or other data stores may be utilized. Any number ortype of fields that is or becomes desirable may also or alternatively beutilizes without deviating from the scope of some embodiments.

H. Hardware

Turning now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary social/retailhotspot 610 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,the social/retail hotspot 610 may be similar in configuration and/orfunctionality to the social/retail hotspot 110 a-n of FIG. 1, theapparatus 210 of FIG. 2, the vending machine 310 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B,the hotspot 410 of FIG. 4, and/or the vending machine 510 of FIG. 5..The social/retail hotspot 610 may comprise, for example, a casing 612enclosing one or more of a processor 614, an inventory and dispensingdevice 616, a payment processing device 618, an input device 620 (suchas a motion detector 620 a and/or a camera 620 b), an output device 622(such as a primary display 622 a and/or a secondary display 622 b), acommunications device 624, a coin identification device 626, and/or adata storage device 630. According to some embodiments, thesocial/retail hotspot 610 may be configured to perform and/or facilitateprocesses in accordance with embodiments described herein. Thesocial/retail hotspot 610 may, for example, be utilized to manage and/orfacilitate customer coin/currency collecting, implement tiered securityand/or privacy protocols based on characteristics of detected personsproximate to the social/retail hotspot 610, and/or reduce service queuesand/or otherwise enhance service by switching users between providedoutput devices 622.

1. Casing/Cabinetry

In some embodiments, a suitable casing 612 and/or cabinetry may beconstructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to anycombination of (1) commercial grade sixteen-gauge steel (e.g., forexterior panels and internal shelving), (2) transparent materials suchas glass or Plexiglas (e.g., for product display windows), (3) rubber(e.g., for waterproofing insulation), (4) plastic, and/or (5) aluminum.

Many commercially available casings 612 may be adapted to work inaccordance with various embodiments. For example, in vending machine(and particularly, snack machine) embodiments, a suitable casing 612 maycomprise the “129 SnackShop” manufactured by Automatic ProductsInternational, Ltd. of Saint Paul, Minn., which stands at seventy-twoinches (72″/1829 mm) wide, has a width of thirty-eight and seven eighthsinches (38 7/8″/988 mm), and a depth of thirty-five inches (35″/889 mm).Other suitable snack machine casings 112 include the A La Carte® machinefrom Automatic Products, and the GPL SnackVendor model #159 from CraneMerchandising Systems/Crane Co. of Stamford, Conn.

In beverage machine embodiments, casings 612 commercially available fromDixie Narco, Inc. of Williston, S.C. may be employed. Beverage machinecasings 212 may comprise a “cooler” or “glass front” style front panel,featuring a transparent front panel (e.g., glass) enabling customers tosee inventory for sale. Alternatively, beverage machine casings 212 maycomprise a “bubble front” style front panel, featuring a decorativefront panel, typically used to advertise a logo of a productmanufacturer commercially interested in the operation of thesocial/retail hotspot 610 (e.g., in the case such a device comprises avending machine).

Other embodiments are contemplated as well, including combination snackand beverage vending machine embodiments, such as those available fromCrain Co. Further details concerning the suitability of machine casings612 and/or cabinetry are well known in the art, and need not bedescribed in further detail herein.

2. Processor/Controller

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot 610 may includethe processor 414 that may be or include any type, quantity, and/orconfiguration of processor that is or becomes known. The processor 414may comprise, for example, an Intel® IXP 2800 network processor or anIntel® XEON™ Processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset. In someembodiments, the processor 214 may comprise multiple inter-connectedprocessors, microprocessors, and/or micro-engines. According to someembodiments, the processor 414 may include or be coupled to one or moreclocks or timers (not explicitly shown) and to the communication device624 through which the processor 414 may communicate, in accordance withsome embodiments, with other devices such as one or more peripheraldevices, one or more servers, and/or one or more user devices (such asthe customer device 180 of FIG. 1). The communication device 624 may,for example, comprise any type or configuration of communication port,cable, modem, and/or signal transceiver that is or becomes known orpracticable.

In some embodiments, the processor 614 may also or alternatively be incommunication with and/or coupled to any number of other components ofthe social/retail hotspot 610 such as the inventory and dispensingmechanism 616, the payment processing mechanism 618, the input device(s)620, the output device(s) 622, the coin identification device 626,and/or the data storage device 630.

3. Inventory Storage and Dispensing Device

In some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot 610 may comprise theinventory storage and dispensing device 616. The inventory storage anddispensing device 616 may, according to some embodiments, comprise anynumber and/or configuration of devices and/or components that facilitateand/or are associated with the storage and/or dispensing of products orservices available via the social/retail hotspot 610. Product inventorystorage and product dispensing functions of the social/retail hotspot610 configured in accordance with a vending machine embodiment mayinclude, for example, one or more of: (i) a drive motor, (ii) metalshelves, (iii) a product delivery system (e.g., a chute, product tray,and/or product tray door), (iv) dual spiral (e.g., double helix) itemdispensing rods, (v) convertible (e.g., extendable) shelves, and/or (vi)a refrigeration unit. In embodiments using the casing 612 of the “model129 SnackShop” manufactured by Automatic Products, three (3) removableshelves may be employed, together providing for thirty (30) product rowsand an inventory capacity of between one hundred and eighty-five (185)to five hundred and twenty-two (522) commonly vended snack products.

Inventory storage and distribution functions of the social/retailhotspot 610 configured in accordance with a beverage machine embodimentmay include one or more conventional components, including: (i) metaland/or plastic shelving, (ii) product dispensing actuators/motors, (iii)product delivery chutes, and/or (iv) a refrigeration unit.

In many types of beverage and snack vending machines, operators willtypically stock several units of the same product linearly arranged in acolumn, allowing individual units to be dispensed upon command. The sameproduct may be stocked in more than one column. Similarly, more than oneproduct may be stocked in a single column. In the case that one or moreservices are available via the social/retail hotspot 610, the inventorystorage and dispensing device 616 may comprise any device or componentthat is associated with the storage, transmission, encoding or decoding(e.g., including encryption and decryption), and/or other processing,routing, or electronic delivery or redemption of such services.

Further details concerning vending machine inventory storage anddispensing devices 616 are well known in the art, and need not bedescribed in further detail herein.

4. Payment Processing Device

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot 610 maycomprise the payment processing device 618. The payment processingdevice 618 may, according to some embodiments, comprise any numberand/or configuration of devices and/or components for receiving paymentand/or dispensing change, including a coin acceptor, a bill validator, acard reader (e.g., a magnetic stripe reader), and/or a change dispenser.

In some embodiments, a magnetic stripe card reader may read data on amagnetic stripe of a credit or debit card, for example, and it maycooperate with conventional POS credit card processing equipment tovalidate card-based purchases through a conventional transactionauthorization network. Suitable card-based transaction processingsystems and methods are available from USA Technologies™, Inc. of Wayne,Pa. In some embodiments, a coin acceptor, bill validator and/or changedispenser may communicate with and/or be coupled to a currency storageapparatus (a “hopper”; not shown) and may comprise conventional devicessuch as models AE-2400, MC5000, TRC200 by Mars, Inc.™ of West Chester,Pa., or CoinCo™ model 9300-L.

Coin acceptors and/or bill validators may receive and validate currencythat is stored by the currency storage apparatus. Further, a billvalidator or coin acceptor may be capable of monitoring stored currencyand maintaining a running total of the stored currency, as is discussedwith reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,984, entitled “Coin Tube MonitorMeans”, the payment and coin-related aspects of which are incorporatedby reference herein. According to some embodiments, a change dispenseractivates the return of coinage to the customer where appropriate (e.g.,where a customer collects a coin reserved for the customer). Suchapparatus may feature Multidrop Bus (MDB) and/or Micromech peripheralcapabilities, as are known in the art.

In another embodiment, the social/retail hotspot 610 may be configuredto receive payment authorization and/or product selection commands orsignals through a wireless device communication network (e.g., via thecommunication device 624), directly or indirectly, from a customerdevice (e.g., a cellular telephone, not shown; the customer device 180of FIG. 1). In such an embodiment, the payment processing device 618 maycomprise a cellular transceiver operatively connected to the processor614 to receive, transmit, and/or process such signals. Systems andmethods allowing for the selection of and payment for vending machineproducts via cellular telephones are provided by USA Technologies,Inc.™. Further, in such an embodiment, a customer cellular telephone mayserve as an input device 620 and/or an output device 622, as describedelsewhere herein.

Further details concerning vending machine payment processing devices618 are well known in the art, and need not be described in furtherdetail herein.

5. Input and Output Devices

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot 610 maycomprise the input device(s) 620 and/or the output device(s) 622. Insome embodiments, the input device(s) 620 may be operable to receiveinput from (i) a customer indicating a product and/or offer selection(e.g., a coin collecting “wish list”), from (ii) an operator (or agentthereof) during stocking or maintenance of the social/retail hotspot610, and/or from (iii) a third party. Also, the output device 622 may beconfigured for outputting product and/or offer information (such assubscription and/or package deal information and/or promotions) to acustomer, operator, and/or third party.

Many combinations of input devices 620 and output devices 622 may beemployed according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, thesocial/retail hotspot 610 may include more than one input device 620.For example, the social/retail hotspot 610 may include a motion detector620 a, a camera, 620 b, and/or an exterior input device 620 forreceiving customer input and an interior input device 620 (neither shownseparately) for receiving operator input. In some embodiments, the inputdevice 620 may provide the dual functionality of receiving input datafrom both operators and customers (and/or third parties). Likewise, asocial/retail hotspot 610 may comprise more than one output device 622(e.g., a primary display 622 a, a secondary display 622 b, and/or an LCDscreen and several LED devices). In some embodiments, such as thosewhich feature touch screens (described elsewhere herein), thefunctionality of both input devices 620 and output devices 622 may beprovided by a single device and/or type of device.

Many input devices 620 are contemplated. Thus, an input device 620 maycomprise, for example, one or more of the following: (i) a set ofalpha-numeric keys for providing input to the vending machine, such asthe Programmable Master Menu® Keypad, (ii) a selector dial, (iii) a setof buttons associated with a respective set of item dispensers, (iv) amotion sensor, (v) a barcode reader (e.g., a 1-D or 2-D barcode reader),(vi) a voice recognition module, (vii) a Dual-Tone Multi-Frequencyreceiver/decoder, (viii) a wireless device (e.g., a cellular receiver; aradio-frequency receiver; an infrared receiver; a wireless access pointor wireless router; other wireless devices), (ix) a smart card reader,(x) a magnetic stripe reader, (xi) a biometric identification apparatus(e.g., an iris scanner, a retinal scanner, a thumbprint reader, etc.),(xii) a customer device, and/or (xiii) any other type or configurationof input device 620 that may be or become known or practicable.

In some embodiments, an input device 620 may comprise an optical reader(e.g., a 2-D bar code scanner) capable of scanning a barcode, such as abar code which is displayed on a screen or monitor of a user's cellularphone, PDA, Blackberry® business phone, Blackberry® handheld or otherhandheld device. One system employing such technology, the Cmode®service, has been developed by a partnership between Coca-Cola® Co. andNTT DoCoMo™ Inc. of Japan. According to some embodiments, the inputdevice 620 may comprise a fingerprint (e.g., and/or thumbprint) readersuch as a Fujitsu MBF200 Scanner, which is manufactured by TacomaTechnology, Inc of Taipai, Taiwan and Fujitsu® Microelectronics America,Inc. of Tokyo, Japan. The Fujitsu® MBF200 offers a resolution of fivehundred dots per inch (500 dpi), an image capture area of 12.8×15 mm(0.5″×0.6″), and a unit size of 60×40×15 mm (2.4″×1.6″×0.6″). TheFujitsu® MBF200 may communicate with a vending machine processor 214through any practicable interface such as a USB interface. The Fujitsu®MBF200 may be desirable in an embodiment where the vending machineprocessor 214 is instructed through a Linux-based operating system. Inembodiments featuring the Fujitsu® MBF200, fingerprint-matching softwaremay be employed. Exemplary fingerprint matching software may include,for example, VeriFinger™ 4.2 from Neurotechnologija, Ltd. of Vilnius,Lithuania.

In some embodiments, a suitable fingerprint reader for use as an inputdevice 620 may include the AF-S2 FingerLoc™ from AuthenTec®, Inc. ofMelbourne, Fla. The AF-S2 FingerLoc™ offers a resolution of two hundredand fifty dots per inch (250 dpi), an image capture area of 13×13 mm(0.51″×0.51″), and a unit size of 24×24×3.5 mm (0.94″×0.94″×0.14″). TheAF-S2 FingerLoc™ may communicate with the processor 614 through anypracticable interface such as a USB interface. The AF-S2 FingerLoc™ maybe desirable in an embodiment where the processor 614 is instructedthrough a Microsoft® Windows®-based operating system. In embodimentsfeaturing the AF-S2 FingerLoc™, fingerprint matching software may beemployed. Exemplary fingerprint matching software may include, forexample, VeriFinger™ 4.2 from Neurotechnologija, Ltd. of Vilnius,Lithuania.

Likewise, many types of output devices 622 are contemplated. Forexample, an output device 622 may comprise an LCD screen or device.Alternatively or additionally, the output device 622 may comprise one ormore LED displays or devices (e.g., several alphanumeric multi-color orsingle color LED displays on the shelves of a vending machine associatedproximately with each row of product inventory).

In one embodiment, an LED display screen is mounted atop thesocial/retail hotspot 610 (via bolts or other mounting hardware) and isused to communicate offers and other messages (e.g., productadvertisements, such as package deals and/or subscription offers orpromotions) to prospective customers. A suitable LED display screen forsuch an embodiment may be housed in an aluminum case having a length ofapproximately twenty-seven and one half inches (27.5″/698.5 mm), aheight of approximately four and one quarter inches (4.25″/107.95 mm),and a depth of approximately one and three quarter inches (1.75″/44.5mm). Such a display screen may have a display area capable of showingabout thirteen (13) alphanumeric and/or graphical characters. Further,such an LED display screen may comprise a serial computer interface,such as an RJ45/RS232 connector, for communicating with the processor614. Further still, such an LED display may be capable of outputtingtext and graphics in several colors (e.g., red, yellow, green, black)regarding current and upcoming promotions.

Further, in some embodiments, the output device 622 may comprise aprinter. In one embodiment, a printer may be configured to print on cardstock paper of approximately one hundredth of an inch or less (e.g.,0.01″/0.15 mm or less) in thickness, such as the EPSON EU-T400 SeriesKiosk Printer. Further, a printer may be capable of thermal lineprinting of various alphanumeric and graphical symbols in various fontsizes (e.g., ranging from nine (9) to twenty-four (24) point) on varioustypes of paper. Additionally, such a printer may communicate with theprocessor 614 via an RS232/IEEE 12834 and/or bi-directional parallelconnection. Such a printer may further comprise a data buffer of variouspracticable sizes, such as approximately four kilobytes (4 KB). In someembodiments, the printer may be operable to output codes and/oridentifiers (e.g., by printing vouchers) to customers and/or to printstickers, labels, and/or other indications to be attached to productsvended by the social/retail hotspot 610. The output device 622 may alsoor alternatively comprise a device operable to attach and/or printindications of access codes onto one or more products of thesocial/retail hotspot 610 (e.g., as the products are loaded by anoperator, while the products are shelved within the social/retailhotspot 610, and/or as the products are dispensed—such as a hopperprinting and/or coupling mechanism). According to some embodiments, theoutput device 622 may also or alternatively comprise an audio module,such as an audio speaker, that outputs information to customers audibly.

As stated, in some embodiments, a touch-sensitive screen may be employedto perform both input device 620 and output device 622 functions.Suitable, commercially available touch screens for use according tovarious embodiments are manufactured by Elo TouchSystems, Inc., ofFremont, Calif., such as Elo's AccuTouch series touch screens. Suchtouch screens may comprise: (i) a first (e.g., outer-most) hard-surfacescreen layer coated with an anti-glare finish, (ii) a second screenlayer coated with a transparent-conductive coating, and/or (iii) a thirdscreen layer comprising a glass substrate with a uniform-conductivecoating. Further, such touch screens may be configured to detect inputwithin a determined positional accuracy, such as a standard deviation oferror less than plus or minus eight hundredths of an inch (±0.08″/2 mm).The sensitivity resolution of such touch screens may be more than onehundred thousand touchpoints per square inch (100,000touchpoints/in²/15,500 touchpoints/cm²) for a thirteen inch (13″) touchscreen. For such touch screens, the touch activation force required totrigger an input signal to the processor 614 via the touch screen maytypically be around two to four ounces (2-4 ounces/57-113 g).Additionally, touch screens for use according to various embodiments maybe resistant to environmental stressors such as water, humidity,chemicals, electrostatic energy, and the like. These and otheroperational details of touch screens (e.g., drive current, signalcurrent, capacitance, open circuit resistance, and closed circuitresistance) are well known in the art and need not be described furtherherein.

In some embodiments, input and/or output functionality of thesocial/retail hotspot 610 may be facilitated through a wireless deviceconfigured to send data to, and/or receive data from, a customer device(e.g., the customer device 180 of FIG. 1), such as a laptop computer ora cellular telephone. In some embodiments, such a wireless device maycomprise a sensor that detects signals from a customer device. Suchsignals may include but are not limited to radio frequency signalsand/or IR signals. Thus, in one or more embodiments, a wireless inputdevice 620 may comprise a WAP or router configured to operate inaccordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard, including the 802.11b and802.11g standards, which transmit at 2.4 GHz, or the 802.11a standard,which transmits at 5 GHz. Such a wireless input device 620 may, in someembodiments, have the capability to “frequency hop” between radiofrequencies so as to reduce interference and/or increase security.Encryption techniques may also or alternatively be employed to increasethe security of transmissions. Suitable WAPs are available from Belkin™Corporation of Compton, Calif. and Cisco™ Systems, Inc. of San Jose,Calif. The wireless input device 620 may, in some embodiments, be usedto establish a communication link as described herein.

Additionally, in some embodiments, an output device 622 may comprise anaudio module, such as an audio speaker, that outputs information tocustomers audibly. Speakers may comprise conventional speakers and/ormodern hypersonic speakers. An output device 622 may include, forexample, unidirectional and/or hypersonic speakers which can selectivelyfocus sound to particular locations or customers, while not disturbingothers who are not in the location of the focused sound. For adescription of such speakers, see Suzanne Kantra Kirschner, “We've heardhypersonic sound. It could change everything”, Popular Science,available athttp://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,12543,351353,00.html, theunidirectional and/or hypersonic speaker concepts and descriptions ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the output device 622 may comprise a physicaldevice having a game theme, such as a spinning “prize wheel” similar tothose featured on the television game show Wheel of Fortune™ or ThePrice is Right™, a roulette wheel, mechanical slot machine reels, or thelike. Such a wheel may communicate to customers various information. Forexample, the wheel may spin and stop on an icon that represents, e.g., aprize entitlement. A physical wheel in the general appearance of thewheel on the Wheel of Fortune™ game show may be attached to a vendingmachine.

Also or in addition to a wheel, another output device 622 that is aperipheral device attached to and in communication with thesocial/retail hotspot 610 may communicate game-related information. Byutilizing such an output device 622, the social/retail hotspot 610 maybe retrofitted with a separate device to employ game-themed promotions.The use of removable peripheral devices may be important in certainsituations (e.g., where doorways to interior locations are low), as suchsatellite devices may be removed during transport and attached oncesocial/retail hotspots 610 are brought to the intended location.Likewise, such peripheral devices may be side-mounted, where the ceilingheight may impair other location of the peripheral. Further, the use ofa separate device is advantageous in that it may be in communicationwith more than one social/retail hotspot 610, allowing manysocial/retail hotspots 610 to participate in game-themed vendingpromotions.

6. Coin Identification Device

In some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot 610 may comprise the coinidentification device 626. The coin identification device 626 maygenerally comprise any type or configuration of known device that isoperable to read data from and/or determine characteristics of coinsand/or paper currency stored by the social/retail hotspot 610. The coinidentification device 626 may, according to some embodiments, be morecomplex and/or advanced than devices typically implemented to determinewhether a given deposited coin is a dime, quarter, etc., or whether adeposited bill is a one dollar ($1) or five dollar ($5) bill. Suchdevices are well-known and widely used. The coin identification device626, according to many embodiments, is capable of determining moredetailed information regarding inventoried coins and/or paper monies.The coin identification device 626, for example, may comprise an opticalscanner and/or may employ Optical Character Recognition (OCR) todetermine what year a coin was minted, what series year a dollar bill isfrom, which Treasury Secretary signed a given paper money unit, whethera coin or bill has writing/inscription in certain areas (including onthe edge of a coin), etc.

The coin identification device 626 may also or alternatively be utilizedto determine a quality of a coin and/or bill. The coin identificationdevice 626, for example, may identify scratches, tears, rips, dings,corrosion, and/or other characteristics used to identify the quality ofa coin or bill specimen for collecting purposes. Customers may, in suchembodiments, specify a particular quality or grade of coin or billdesired (e.g., along with type, year of minting, etc.) and/or customersmay deposit a coin or bill for the sole purpose of grading thecollection specimen (e.g., for a small fee, or if a snack or beverage(or other product) is purchased).

7. Data Storage/Memory

The data storage device 630 may include any appropriate combination ofmagnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, additional processors, communication ports, RAM, Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 614 andthe storage device 630 may each be, for example: (i) located entirelywithin a single computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected toeach other by a remote communication medium, such as a serial portcable, a Local Area Network (LAN), a telephone line, RF transceiver, afiber optic connection and/or the like. In some embodiments for example,social/retail hotspot 610 may comprise one or more computers (orprocessors 614) that are connected to a remote server computer (e.g.,via the communication device 624) operative to maintain databases, wherethe data storage device 630 is comprised of the combination of theremote server computer and the associated databases.

The data storage device 630 may generally store one or more programs 632for controlling the processor 614. The processor 214 may performinstructions of the program 632, for example, and thereby operate inaccordance with some embodiments, and particularly in accordance withthe methods described in detail herein. According to some embodiments,the program 632 may comprise any number or type of programs that are orbecomes known or practicable. In some embodiments, the program 632 maybe developed using an object oriented programming language that allowsthe modeling of complex systems with modular objects to createabstractions that are representative of real world, physical objects andtheir interrelationships. However, it would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can beimplemented in many different ways using a wide range of programmingtechniques as well as general purpose hardware systems or dedicatedcontrollers.

The program 632 may be stored in a compressed, un-compiled and/orencrypted format. The program 632 furthermore may include programelements that may be generally useful, such as an operating system, adatabase management system and/or device drivers for allowing theprocessor 614 to interface with computer peripheral devices and/or thevarious components of the social/retail hotspot 610. Appropriate generalpurpose program elements are known to those skilled in the art, and neednot be described in detail herein.

Further, the program 632 may be operative to execute a number ofinvention-specific objects, modules and/or subroutines which may include(but are not limited to) one or more subroutines to determine coininventory, determine if customers are proximate to specific portions ofthe social/retail hotspot 610, determine if a customer's session shouldbe switched from a first interface to a second interface, determinewhether to implement security/privacy protocols, determine whether acoin in inventory matches a coin desired by a customer, determinewhether to reserve a coin, determine whether to dispense a particularcoin, etc.. The program 632 may also or alternatively comprise one ormore procedures for causing the processor 614 to identify specificcharacteristics of a coin or bill in inventory (Such as year of minting)and/or determine a collection-specific grading or quality of aparticular coin or bill. Examples of some of these subroutines and theiroperation are described in detail with respect to the processesdescribed elsewhere herein.

According to some embodiments, the instructions of the program 632 maybe read into a main memory (not explicitly shown) of the processor 614from another computer-readable medium (such as the data storage device630), like from a ROM to a RAM. Execution of sequences of theinstructions in the program 632 may cause the processor 614 to performthe process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or integrated circuits may be used in place of, orin combination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses described herein. Thus, some embodiments are not limited toany specific combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software.

In addition to the program 632, the data storage device 630 may also beoperative to store one or more databases, files, and/or tables,containing information such as (i) customer data 634 and/or (ii) coininventory data 636. Any number of other arrangements may be employedbesides those suggested by the tables shown. For example, even thoughtwo separate data tables, stores, files, and/or databases areillustrated, embodiments may be practiced effectively using fewer ormore functionally equivalent databases or similar structures. Thesedatabases and/or other databases (not shown) may also or alternativelystore information associated with security protocols and/or coincollecting data/management. Codes and/or identifiers, rules orparameters, transaction history data, third party data, and/or othermetrics may, for example, be stored to facilitate the embodimentsdescribed herein being practiced via the social/retail hotspot 610.

Further, despite the depiction of the data as tables, an object-basedmodel could be used to store and manipulate the data types and likewise,object methods or behaviors can be used to implement the processesdescribed herein.

8. Other Separate Devices

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, some or all of thefunctions and method steps described herein may be performed partiallyor entirely by one or more separate devices (not explicitly shown),which are not necessarily retrofitted to a social/retail hotspot 610.Separate devices for use with such an embodiment include, but are notlimited to, kiosks and customer devices (PDA devices, laptop computers,and cellular telephones). In some embodiments featuring separatedevices, such devices may be capable of communicating, directly (e.g.,via Bluetooth® connectivity) or indirectly (e.g., through a web serveror IVRU), to a control system in order to facilitate the inventivefunctionality described herein. In some embodiments featuring separatedevices, such separate devices are capable of communicating with aremote computer.

I. Other Embodiments

According to some embodiments, a social/retail hotspot could includemultiple secondary screens, thereby allowing three (3) or more customersto use the social/retail hotspot simultaneously (e.g., one (1) primaryscreen on the front of a vending machine and a secondary screen oneither side of the vending machine (3 screens total)); one (1) primaryscreen on the front of a kiosk and two (2) secondary screens on eitherside of the kiosk (5 screens total)). The social/retail hotspot may alsoor alternatively be in communication with screens and/or other devicesthat are near, but not physically coupled to the social/retail hotspot(such as one or more large screen monitors and/or TV devices mounted onwalls near the social/retail hotspot).

According to some embodiments, a social/retail hotspot may print couponspersonalized to a user. For example: printer at device tied to biometricdevices in public spaces; issue a series of coupons to a person based ontheir fingerprint/biometrics; print barcode on coupon that allows aretailer to determine who coupon was issued to; retailer checks ID ofredeemer; retailer checks with user's cell phone to make sure user isentitled to coupon; non-transferable coupons, usable only; ad-hocphoto-ID coupons; take picture for coupon with video camera at vendingkiosk.

In some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may be equipped with aprinter capable of printing coupons for one or more unique users. Theprinter may be able to print in color, or with magnetic ink. In oneexample, the printer may print a secure coupon on water-marked paper.The coupon may include a picture of a person eligible to redeem thecoupon.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may receiverequest for a coupon. A social/retail hotspot may receive a request froma user to view one or more coupons available for printing. While waitingfor a request, the social/retail hotspot may present the following on adisplay device, “Press Here to Browse Coupons.” A user may indicate hisinterest in viewing one or more coupons in multiple ways. A user mayindicate interest by providing a biometric input—e.g., the user mayswipe their thumb on a thumbprint reader. A user may enter a usernameand/or password using an input device. A user may provide an alternativeidentification—e.g., the user may swipe their credit card in a cardreader. A user may wish to remain anonymous while viewing availablecoupons—e.g., the user may select an option labeled, “Guestuser/Anonymous.”

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may determine auser coupon. Coupons that may be available for printing may bedetermined based one or more factors. These factors may include: one ormore of a user's previously redeemed coupons; information within a userprofile (for example, a user's favorite stores, favorite items,residential address, work address); time of day; temperature at thesocial/retail hotspot (for example, hot cocoa or coffee coupons may bedispensed on a cold day); proximity of stores to social/retail hotspot(for example, only coupons for stores within one thousand feet (1000-ft)of the vending social/retail hotspot may be displayed to the user).

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may determineconsideration from a user. The user may have to provide some form ofconsideration in exchange for receiving a coupon. Examples ofconsideration include: sign up for subscription; provideidentification/biometric; later sent/shown targeted advertising; promiseto perform task; alternately no form of consideration may be necessary.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may provideindications of coupons. The vending social/retail hotspot may present tothe user one or more coupons that he is eligible to receive. Thesocial/retail hotspot may also communicate to the user an agreement thatmust be accepted in order for the user to receive the coupon.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may receiveindication of requested coupon. The vending social/retail hotspot mayreceive a selection of one or more coupons that the user requests forprinting.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may receiveindication of unique user identifier. The social/retail hotspot mayrequest that the user provide one or more unique identifiers that may beassociated with coupon. The unique identifier may provide a minimalamount of information to verify that a user is eligible to redeem acoupon. For example, a coupon may display a picture of a user's face,but not his name, age or address. Examples of unique user identifiersinclude: a picture of a user's face; a barcode associated with a user orother unique user identifier; a picture of a user's thumbprint that maybe compared to a coupon redeemer's thumbprint; a mobile phone number foran eligible user; and a mailing address.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may providecoupon to user. A printer at the social/retail hotspot may print aselected coupon for the user. One or more unique user identifiers mayalso be printed on the coupon. The unique user identifier may allow abusiness to determine if a coupon redeemer is actually eligible toredeem the coupon.

According to some embodiments, the social/retail hotspot may providedirections using a social/retail hotspot. Receiving a request fordirections: user may indicate destination where we would like to go;user may search for particular businesses (e.g., show me a fast foodrestaurant, a coffee shop, movie theater, etc.); “show me a nearby movietheater where movie X is playing”). Providing the directions to theuser: social/retail hotspot may have a printer and directions may beprovided on a paper printout; customer may view directions on a videoscreen that is part of the social/retail hotspot; directions may bedownloaded into an electronic device that the customer can carry withhim (e.g., audio directions downloaded into MP3 player, JPG maps ofdirections may be downloaded into customer's PDA). Note that electronicdevice maybe provided by customer (e.g., owned by customer) or dispensedfrom the social/retail hotspot (e.g., if the social/retail hotspot is avending machine)

In some embodiments, customers may utilize the hotspot as acoin-collecting repository and/or escrow agent. Two coin-collectingcustomers may, for example, conduct coin swaps and/or coin purchases byhaving one of the customers deposit and/or otherwise store a particularcoin in the hotspot's inventory, and having the customer authorize(e.g., in exchange for payment—money, other specific coin(s), units ofproduct and/or service at the hotspot) the other customer to have theparticular coin dispensed (e.g., upon entering a code, presentingidentifying information, and/or depositing a specific coin into thehotspot's inventory).

II. Rules of Interpretation

Numerous embodiments are described in this disclosure, and are presentedfor illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, andare not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosedinvention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as isreadily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The present disclosure is neither a literal description of allembodiments nor a listing of features of the invention that must bepresent in all embodiments.

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thisdisclosure) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of this disclosure)is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosedinvention(s).

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. §101, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but notall) disclosed embodiments”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “the invention” and “the present invention” and the like mean“one or more embodiments of the present invention.”

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present disclosure, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”.

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device or article is described herein, more than onedevice or article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively beused in place of the single device or article that is described.Accordingly, the functionality that is described as being possessed by adevice may alternatively be possessed by more than one device or article(whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein(whether or not they cooperate), a single device or article mayalternatively be used in place of the more than one device or articlethat is described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devicesmay be substituted with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, thevarious functionality that is described as being possessed by more thanone device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single deviceor article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devicesthat are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not includethe described device itself, but rather can include the one or moreother devices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to eachother as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for weeks at a time. In addition, devices thatare in communication with each other may communicate directly orindirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components and/or features arerequired. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of thepresent invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent and/or feature is essential or required.

Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be describedin a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work indifferent orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps thatmay be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirementthat the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processesdescribed herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, somesteps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or impliedas occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is describedafter the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to theinvention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps are essentialor required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the describedinvention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of thedescribed steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or required.Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s)include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

Headings of sections provided in this disclosure are for convenienceonly, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

“Determining” something can be performed in a variety of manners andtherefore the term “determining” (and like terms) includes calculating,computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database or datastructure), ascertaining, recognizing, and the like.

A “display” as that term is used herein is an area that conveysinformation to a viewer. The information may be dynamic, in which case,an LCD, LED, CRT, Digital Light Processing (DLP), rear projection, frontprojection, or the like may be used to form the display. The aspectratio of the display may be 4:3, 16:9, or the like. Furthermore, theresolution of the display may be any appropriate resolution such as 480i, 480 p, 720 p, 1080 i, 1080 p or the like. The format of informationsent to the display may be any appropriate format such as StandardDefinition TeleVision (SDTV), Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV), HighDefinition TV (HDTV), or the like. The information may likewise bestatic, in which case, painted glass may be used to form the display.Note that static information may be presented on a display capable ofdisplaying dynamic information if desired. Some displays may beinteractive and may include touch screen features or associated keypadsas is well understood.

The present disclosure frequently refers to a “control system”. Acontrol system, as that term is used herein, may be a computer processorcoupled with an operating system, device drivers, and appropriateprograms (collectively “software”) with instructions to provide thefunctionality described for the control system. The software is storedin an associated memory device (sometimes referred to as a computerreadable medium). While it is contemplated that an appropriatelyprogrammed general purpose computer or computing device may be used, itis also contemplated that hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware (e.g.,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) may be used in placeof, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation ofthe processes of various embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limitedto any specific combination of hardware and software.

A “processor” means any one or more microprocessors, Central ProcessingUnit (CPU) devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices. Exemplary processors are the INTEL PENTIUMor AMD ATHLON processors.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium thatparticipates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read bya computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includeDRAM, which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission mediainclude coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmissionmedia may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves andelectromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during RF and IR datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, Digital Video Disc (DVD), any otheroptical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium withpatterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, a USB memorystick, a dongle, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave asdescribed hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer canread. The terms “computer-readable memory” and/or “tangible media”specifically exclude signals, waves, and wave forms or other intangiblemedia that may nevertheless be readable by a computer.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols. For amore exhaustive list of protocols, the term “network” is defined belowand includes many exemplary protocols that are also applicable here.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by a control system and/or theinstructions of the software may be designed to carry out the processesof the present invention.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models, hierarchicalelectronic file structures, and/or distributed databases) could be usedto store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise,object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implementvarious processes, such as those described herein. In addition, thedatabases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from adevice that accesses data in such a database. Furthermore, while unifieddatabases may be contemplated, it is also possible that the databasesmay be distributed and/or duplicated amongst a variety of devices.

As used herein a “network” is an environment wherein one or morecomputing devices may communicate with one another. Such devices maycommunicate directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium suchas the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), Token Ring, orvia any appropriate communications means or combination ofcommunications means. Exemplary protocols include but are not limitedto: Bluetooth™, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM),Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet RadioService (GPRS), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System(AMPS), Digital AMPS (D-AMPS), IEEE 802.11 (WI-FI), IEEE 802.3, SAP,SASTM by IGT, OASIS™ by Aristocrat Technologies, SDS by Bally Gaming andSystems, ATP, TCP/IP, GDS published by the Gaming Standards Associationof Fremont, Calif., the best of breed (BOB), system to system (S2S), orthe like. Note that if video signals or large files are being sent overthe network, a broadband network may be used to alleviate delaysassociated with the transfer of such large files, however, such is notstrictly required. Each of the devices is adapted to communicate on sucha communication means. Any number and type of machines may be incommunication via the network. Where the network is the Internet,communications over the Internet may be through a website maintained bya computer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, and thelike. In yet other embodiments, the devices may communicate with oneanother over RF, cable TV, satellite links, and the like. Whereappropriate encryption or other security measures such as logins andpasswords may be provided to protect proprietary or confidentialinformation.

Communication among computers and devices may be encrypted to insureprivacy and prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in theart. Appropriate cryptographic protocols for bolstering system securityare described in Schneier, APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY, PROTOCOLS, ALGORITHMS,AND SOURCE CODE IN C, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2d ed., 1996, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., one or more microprocessors) will receive instructions from amemory or like device, and execute those instructions, therebyperforming one or more processes defined by those instructions. Further,programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) ina number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or customhardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments.Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication. Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursuepatents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but notclaimed in the present application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vending machine, comprising: a processor; acustomer interface in communication with the processor; a sensor incommunication with the processor, the sensor coupled to sense thepresence of people situated in one or more zones proximate to thecustomer interface; and a memory in communication with the processor,the memory storing instructions that when executed by the processorresult in: facilitating utilization of the customer interface by acustomer, wherein the utilization comprises a first interface session;determining, based on information received from the sensor, that aperson other than the customer has entered the one or more zonesproximate to the customer interface; and altering, based on adetermination that the person other than the customer has entered theone or more zones proximate to the customer interface, the firstinterface session in a manner selected to enhance security for the firstinterface session.
 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomprises at least one of a motion sensor and a camera and wherein theone or more zones proximate to the customer interface comprise a zoneproximate to a shoulder of the customer.
 3. The vending machine of claim1, wherein the altering comprises: outputting an indication warning thecustomer that the person other than the customer has entered the one ormore zones proximate to the customer interface.
 4. The vending machineof claim 1, wherein the altering comprises: reducing a size of at leastone of font and graphics displayed in conjunction with the firstinterface session.
 5. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein thealtering comprises: reorganizing information displayed in conjunctionwith the first interface session such that viewing of the information bythe person other than the customer is likely to be blocked by the bodyof the customer.
 6. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the alteringcomprises at least one of: (i) disabling a display of information inconjunction with the first interface session; and (ii) switching thedisplay of information in conjunction with the first interface sessionto a different customer interface of the vending machine.
 7. The vendingmachine of claim 1, wherein the one or more zones proximate to thecustomer interface comprise a plurality of zones ranging in proximity tothe customer interface from a closest zone to a furthest zone, andwherein the manner selected to alter the first interface session toenhance security for the first interface session comprises a hierarchyof manners ranging from least disruptive to the first interface sessionto most disruptive to the first interface session, and wherein thealtering comprises selecting one of the hierarchy of manners of alteringbased on which of the plurality of zones the person other than thecustomer occupies.